Arthritis is a large family of medical conditions that can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints. It can occur at any age but is particularly common in older adults. While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for arthritis, organic anti-inflammatory supplements (such as "Mobility" or "Joint Rescue" from Aceva) have been found to significantly reduce pain and improve mobility in those affected as well as being much healthier than over-the-counter NSAIDs. Physical activity can also help decrease arthritis symptoms by strengthening surrounding muscles, improving joint stability, and increasing flexibility. Although lifestyle adjustments alone may not be enough to mitigate all of the effects of arthritis, speaking with a healthcare provider about the best course of action is an important first step to take toward relieving joint discomfort.
What Causes Arthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis, but what they all have in common is that they cause pain and inflammation in the joints. Arthritis can make it difficult to do everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and/or gripping and holding objects. If you're dealing with arthritic pain, there are several treatment options available. Working with a doctor, Chiropractor, or physical therapist can help you find the best way to manage your symptoms and keep moving despite the pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, affecting millions of people. It is a degenerative joint disease that damages cartilage and results in pain, swelling, and decreased motion in the affected area. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage cushioning between joints wears away and bones rub together directly. The cause of osteoarthritis is due to lack of movement in the joint. Age, repetitive movements, and injury are common contributing factors that influence the progression of Arthritis. Although its effects are often disabling, there are many different ways to treat and manage its symptoms. Through proper exercise, physical therapy, Chiropractic care, and lifestyle modifications, people with osteoarthritis can continue to live active lives with a reduced risk of further damage to their joints.
How Does Osteoarthritis Occur?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the joints degenerates, leading to bones grinding against each other and causing significant pain and discomfort. Osteoarthritis can drastically decrease quality of life if unmanaged, but many treatments have been developed to reduce symptoms. With proper management, it is possible to lessen or even eliminate the effects of this debilitating condition.
Other Types of Arthritis
While osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, other causes are also worth noting. These include certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. In addition, gout is another variety of chronic inflammatory types of arthritis that can cause joint pain and swelling. Each of these types of arthritis can be distinguished by its unique set of symptoms and potential causes, so it is important to recognize them separately if seeking diagnosis or treatment.
Treatment for Arthritis
Arthritis is a complicated group of conditions, and treatment depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. Depending on the type, arthritis can respond to organic anti-inflammatory supplements and lifestyle modifications, or more aggressive therapies designed for the specific condition or physical therapy. Some effective therapies are PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy), Hyaluronic Acid Injections, and Class lV Laser Therapy. All of those therapies can be used in conjunction with one another to help improve joint mobility, decrease inflammation, re-lubricate joint cartilage, and accelerate the healing process – all without drugs or surgery. Regardless of the type, it's important to engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight and diet geared by medical recommendations, and ask your doctor about other treatments—including possible supplements—to help reduce your levels of joint discomfort.
How can arthritis be prevented?
To reduce the risk of developing arthritis, people should make an effort to stay active and exercise regularly. Aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen supporting muscles and increase overall fitness. Low-impact activities like walking, Pilates or yoga are also beneficial for arthritic prevention as they build muscle strength without placing too much strain on joints. Additionally, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals which can assist in protecting joints from inflammation. Finally, if you have any concerns about your joint health it is important to speak with your doctor who may detect any signs of arthritis early and be able to implement preventative measures that suit your individual needs.
Conclusion
The many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout, can cause considerable pain to those suffering from it. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms without drugs or surgery. Supplements and physical therapy may be effective for some people, while more targeted therapies may be necessary for more severe cases. Ultimately, the type of treatment depends on the individual and their symptoms. Regardless of the severity or type of arthritis you have, it is important to understand the condition and explore all available treatment options to find the one most suited to your needs. With the right care and attention, suffering from arthritis no longer has to mean limited movement or discomfort.